What You Need Before You Walk Into a Passport Office

Gather these documents before you apply

You need four things in front of you before you go to a passport acceptance facility: proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and a completed form. The form is DS-11 (for a new passport) or DS-82 (for a renewal), both free from the State Department website. Print it, sign it, and bring it with you — you cannot sign it at the office.

Proof of citizenship means an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. A photocopy will not work. If your birth certificate is from a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa), bring the original. If you were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, you need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization.

Your photo ID must be government-issued and current — a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID all work. It does not have to match your current name if you have changed it legally; bring the court order or marriage certificate showing the change. A school ID, work badge, or expired ID will not be accepted.

Key Takeaways

• Bring originals, not copies: your birth certificate, a current government photo ID, and proof of your address are all required in their original form.
• Complete form DS-11 or DS-82 before you arrive and sign it in person — the office will not let you sign it there.
• A new passport costs $130 for a book plus $35 execution fee; a renewal costs $130 if you renew by mail or $165 if you renew in person.
• Processing times vary by season and location; check your local passport office's website for current wait times before you go.
• If you need your passport in fewer than two weeks, you must pay for expedited service and go in person — mail-in renewal will not meet your deadline.

Proof of address and what counts

You need a document showing your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last year all work. A credit card statement, insurance bill, or government notice (like a tax form or voter registration card) also counts. The document must show your name and current address — a bill addressed to "Resident" will not work.

If you do not have any of these, a notarized statement from someone who knows you and lives at your address can substitute. That person must bring their own ID and sign the statement in front of a notary. This is slower and more complicated, so get a utility bill or lease if you can.

The photo: size, background, and what fails

Your passport photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on against a white or off-white background. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that changes your appearance. If you wear glasses, they cannot have a glare on the lenses. A wig or head covering is allowed only for religious reasons.

You can bring a photo you took yourself at home or one from a photo booth — it does not have to come from a professional photographer. Many CVS, Walgreens, and Costco locations offer passport photo services for $10 to $20. If you bring a photo that does not meet the rules, the office will reject it and you will have to get a new one before they process your application.

Do not smile with your mouth open, do not tilt your head, and do not crop the photo yourself. The office measures it and checks the background color. Bring at least two copies in case one is rejected.

Fees and payment methods

A new passport book costs $130, plus a $35 execution fee if you apply in person — $165 total. A passport card (the credit-card-sized version) costs $30 plus the $35 execution fee if you apply in person, or $35 if you renew by mail. You can get both a book and a card together for $165 total.

A renewal by mail costs $130 for a book or $35 for a card, with no execution fee. A renewal in person costs $165 for a book or $70 for a card. Bring a check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of State," or cash — not all offices accept credit or debit cards, so call ahead if you want to pay that way.

Expedited processing costs an extra $60 and cuts the wait time from weeks to days, but you must apply in person and you must have a travel date within two weeks. Standard processing takes two to four weeks during normal periods and much longer during peak travel season (spring and summer).

Where to go and what to bring on the day

Find your nearest passport acceptance facility on the State Department website by entering your zip code. Most are at post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices — not all post offices accept passport applications, so check the list first. Some cities have dedicated passport agencies that handle rush applications, but you cannot go there without an appointment.

Bring everything in a folder or envelope: the completed form, your original birth certificate, your photo ID, your proof of address, your passport photos, and your payment. Bring the originals — do not send copies ahead. Arrive early; many offices have a limited number of daily appointments or walk-in slots, and they stop accepting applications at a set time each day.

If you are applying for a minor (under 16), both parents or guardians must be present with photo ID, or one parent must bring a notarized consent form from the other. Minors cannot apply by mail.

Renewals by mail: when you can and cannot

You can renew by mail only if your passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, and expired fewer than five years ago. If any of those conditions are not true, you must apply in person. Mail-in renewal takes four to six weeks during normal periods and longer during peak season.

To renew by mail, send your completed form DS-82, your current passport, one new photo, and a check or money order to the address on the form. Do not send cash. Include a prepaid return envelope or pay for return shipping yourself. The State Department will mail your new passport back to you.

What to do if something is missing or wrong

If you arrive without one of the required documents, the office will turn you away and you will have to come back. If your form is not signed or is filled out incorrectly, they will reject it. If your photo does not meet the rules, they will reject it. There is no way around these requirements — bring everything on your first visit.

If you discover an error in your new passport after you receive it (a misspelled name, wrong birth date, or wrong gender marker), contact the passport agency that issued it. Corrections are free if the error was the agency's fault. If you made the error on the form, you may have to pay a fee and reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate?

No. You must bring the original birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy, certified copy, or digital image will not be accepted, even if it is certified.

What if I do not have a current address?

If you are homeless or living in a shelter, you can use the shelter's address as your current address and bring a letter from the shelter on letterhead confirming you live there. If you are living with someone temporarily, use that address and bring a notarized statement from the person whose name is on the lease or mortgage.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

It depends on the office. Some accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis until they reach their daily limit. Others require an appointment. Check the State Department website for your specific location to see what they require.

How long does expedited processing actually take?

Expedited processing takes one to two weeks from the day you apply in person, not including mail time if you need it shipped. You must have a travel date within two weeks to use expedited service. If you need it faster than that, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but only in person and only at certain locations.

What if I changed my name but do not have a court order?

A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers all count as proof of a legal name change. If you changed your name through a court order, bring the original order. If you do not have the original, contact the court that issued it and request a certified copy.